Suspension and Dismissal Appeals

Note: The following information is based on the Graduate School standards for academic standing. Some departments and/or programs have stricter regulations for academic standing than those of the Graduate School. See the academic regulations presented in the program specific sections of the Graduate Catalog.

Academic Probation

Academic Probation serves as a warning and precursor to a penalty for poor academic performance. A graduate student will be placed on academic probation if at least one of the following conditions is met: 

  • They receive an accumulation of two (2) grades of C.
  • They receive one (1) singular Unsatisfactory (U) grade in their first semester as a UNC Charlotte graduate student, including post-baccalaureate (non-degree seeking) enrollment.

A student receiving a U grade in any other semester, including after readmission or enrollment in a subsequent program, will be suspended.

Academic Suspension

All graduate students (degree/certificate seeking and post baccalaureate) may be academically suspended from their classes and program if any of the following occur:

  • A student on academic probation receives a subsequent C or U grade.
  • A student accumulates three (3) grades of C.
  • A student receives one (1) Unsatisfactory (U) grade in any term beyond their initial admit term to a UNC Charlotte Graduate program.
  • A student in their first semester as a UNC Charlotte graduate student receives two (2) or more grades of U.

The academic suspension remains in effect unless 1) the student is reinstated through an approved appeal, or 2) the student reapplies for admission to the program or the Graduate School after a 12-month waiting period following the suspension notification date.

Academic Dismissal

A student may be academically dismissed from the Graduate School (and their program) for any of the following reasons:

  • Their appeal for reinstatement from academic suspension is denied.
  • They receive a subsequent C or U grade after reinstatement from academic suspension.
  • They receive a second Unsatisfactory Progress (UP) grade in research, and their program requests a dismissal on that basis.
  • They fail the same milestone exam (e.g., comprehensive exam, proposal defense) a second time.

A student who has been academically dismissed may reapply to their program and the Graduate School after a period of two years from the date of dismissal.

Appeal procedure

Graduate students may appeal a suspension or termination using the procedures described in the tabs listed on the left. Other grievances relating to academic status are to be addressed to the Graduate School.